Corpus Christi Coast Guard prepares for 2013 hurricane season

P-001COASTGUARD0830---- Petty Officer Andrew Johnson (cq,left) and Fireman Louie Chavez (cq) with the Coast Guard scan the horizon as they make a trip out into the high seas in the gulf near Port Aransas Monday afternoon. Earlier in the day, Coast Guard personnel rescued seven surfers who were caught in a riptide near the south jetty in Port Aransas. (8-29-05 mcp)

Officials said exercises focused on initial response, planning and execution during a hurricane. They also practiced command and control with Coast Guard employees, including newly stationed members in South Texas.

"It's important to test our contingency plans through training and exercises, so that everyone involved understand their responsibilities and can work together to respond to severe weather in South Texas," said planning section chief Lt. Cmdr. Nathan Allen.